This policy is to ensure the safety and well-being of consumers and employees by mandating CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) certification for employees who work directly with consumers. This policy outlines the requirements for CPR certification and the timeline for compliance for employees in roles necessitating CPR certification.

All employees at Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana (VOASELA) must present proof of current CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) certification within 30 days of their hire date. 

Alternatively, employees who do not possess a current CPR certification must complete a provided CPR class within 60 days of their hire date. This policy ensures all employees are equipped with the necessary skills to respond effectively to emergencies involving consumers.

Accepted CPR certifications for employees working directly with consumers include:

• Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS) and CPR Certification
• American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR Certification

Certifications from the American Heart Association (AHA) must include an ecard code to facilitate verification of certification. Online-only certifications are not accepted.

Additionally, certifications must meet the following criteria:

• Certification must be current and valid.
• Certification must not expire within 90 days of the hire date.

• Employees who do not possess a current CPR certification are required to complete a provided CPR class within 60 days of their hire date or certification expiration date.
• The CPR class will be scheduled and facilitated by certified instructors designated by VOASELA.

1. Human Resources Department:
   1. The HR department is responsible for coordinating classes between the program and the designated certified instructors.
   2. The HR department will offer one monthly class for employees at the Red Cross Center in New Orleans and one class every other month at the Red Cross Center in Madisonville.
   3. The HR department shall maintain accurate records of CPR training completion for all employees.
2. Programs:
   1. Programs are responsible for scheduling class options for their employees outside of the monthly classes scheduled by HR.
   2. Programs are responsible for ensuring their employees attend the training class.
   3. Programs are responsible for payment of employees who show and no show. Programs will be charged $15.00 per employee who does provide a 48-hour notice of cancellation. 
3. Employees
   1. Employees are responsible for providing proof of current CPR certification or attending the provided CPR class within the specified timeframe.
   2. Employees are responsible for ensuring their CPR certification meets the specified requirements and submitting proof of certification to HR within the designated timeframe.

• Compliance with this policy is mandatory for all employees who regularly work with consumers.
• Not submitting proof of current CPR certification or failing to attend the provided CPR class within the specified timeframe will lead to disciplinary measures or incurring a fine for the program.

The choice between the options depends on factors such as participant schedules, budget, learning preferences, and the urgency of completing CPR training. Both options aim to ensure that participants acquire the necessary CPR skills effectively.

Programs are responsible for reaching out to Shendella Vielma, svielma@voasela.org, to schedule the class option and dates they prefer.